Parquet wood floors are a classic and beautiful feature in any home, but they need looking after to keep them looking their best. Sometimes your parquet floors need more than a clean. For a full restoration including dealing with missing or broken blocks, contact Harpers Restorations. They will match replacement blocks as closely as possible to the original design. For example if a new fireplace disturbs the pattern, Harpers Restoration will make sure the new blocks blend in seamlessly so the floor looks like it was just laid.
In this guide we will be looking at regular cleaning and maintenance for your parquet floors so you can keep them looking their best between full restorations.
What is Parquet Flooring?
Parquet flooring is a type of wooden floor made up of small, individual wooden blocks or strips arranged in intricate, geometric patterns. These patterns can range from simple designs like the herringbone or basketweave to more complex, decorative layouts. The word “parquet” comes from the French word parqueterie, which refers to flooring created with pieces of wood forming decorative mosaics.
Key Features of Parquet Flooring:
- Patterns: The most distinguishing feature of parquet floors is their geometric design. Common patterns include herringbone, chevron, and basketweave, though custom designs are also possible.
- Materials: Parquet floors are typically made from solid hardwood, such as oak, maple, or walnut, but they can also be engineered using a veneer of real wood over layers of plywood or composite materials.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Parquet flooring adds a sophisticated and classic look to any room, often associated with elegant interiors, historic homes, and grand spaces.
Benefits of Parquet Flooring:
- Durability: Parquet flooring is made from hardwood, making it long-lasting and able to withstand significant foot traffic when properly maintained.
- Design Flexibility: Its unique and customizable patterns give homeowners the opportunity to express personal style, making the floor a focal point in a room.
- Timeless Elegance: Parquet floors have been used for centuries in grand homes, palaces, and other prestigious buildings, which gives them a timeless appeal that never goes out of style.
- Easy Maintenance: When properly cared for, parquet floors can last for decades. Regular cleaning, refinishing, or restoration can preserve their beauty and structural integrity.
Parquet Flooring Maintenance
While parquet floors are beautiful and durable, they do require special care to prevent damage. Regular sweeping or vacuuming helps remove dust and dirt, and occasional deep cleaning with a suitable wood floor cleaner will keep them looking fresh. It’s also important to avoid excess moisture and harsh chemicals that could damage the wooden surface.
Why Proper Cleaning Matters for Parquet Floors
Parquet floors are made up of small wood blocks arranged in intricate patterns so they are a bit more tricky to clean than standard wooden floors. Maintenance is crucial as dirt, dust and pet hair can get trapped in the grooves. And protecting the wood finish whether oiled or varnished is key to keeping the floor looking beautiful and durable. Cleaning parquet flooring can be difficult but these steps should keep your parquet wooden floors looking brand new.
Tools You’ll Need
To clean parquet floors you will need:
- Vacuum cleaner with soft brush attachment
- Damp microfiber cloth
- Soft cloth for polishing
- Mild dishwashing soap
- Neutral wood floor cleaning solution
- Warm water for general cleaning
- Damp mop (never soaking wet)
Step by Step Guide to Cleaning Parquet Wood Floors
1. Remove Loose Dirt and Dust
Before you mop remove dirt, dust and pet hair with a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment. Pay attention to the edges and corners where dust tends to accumulate. This is important to avoid scratching the parquet wood floor when cleaning.
2. Mix a Mild Cleaning Solution
For general cleaning mix warm water with mild dishwashing soap. Don’t use high pH cleaners, oil based soaps or harsh chemicals that can damage the wood finish. You can also use a neutral wood floor cleaning solution.
3. Damp Mop the Floor
Use a damp microfiber mop and clean the floor in the direction of the wood grain to avoid scratching the surface. Be careful with the water use as little as possible as excess water can damage parquet wood floors by warping or swelling.
4. Dry the Floor Completely
After mopping use a soft cloth to dry the floor completely. Any moisture left on the parquet surface can damage it especially on varnished or oiled parquet wood floors.
5. Remove Stubborn Dirt and Stains
For areas with stubborn dirt or stains use a neutral cleaning solution and a soft cloth to gently scrub the spot. Don’t use wax products or harsh commercial products as they will dull the finish. For oiled parquet floors consider applying a fresh coat of oil after cleaning to restore the wood’s natural sheen.
6. Protect High Traffic Areas
To prevent wear and tear from foot traffic consider placing rugs or using furniture pads. This will protect your parquet wood floors from scratches and damage especially in high traffic areas.
Parquet Floor Cleaning Tips
- Avoid scratching: Always lift furniture when moving it across the room.
- Use neutral soap: Stick to neutral soaps or wood floor cleaning solutions.
- Pet hair removal: Regular vacuuming will help prevent pet hair from building up in the grooves of parquet flooring.
- Avoid wax products: Wax will make the floor slippery and dull the finish especially on oiled or varnished parquet floors.
- Protect heavy trafficked areas: Rugs and furniture pads will reduce wear in high traffic areas and extend the life of the wood finish.
- Test in inconspicuous areas: Always test new cleaning solutions on a small hidden area of the floor before using it widespread to make sure it won’t damage or discolour.
What to Avoid When Cleaning Parquet Floors
- Excess water: Parquet wood floors are water sensitive and excess moisture can warp or swell.
- Oil based soaps: These will leave a residue on the wood surface making it hard to clean.
- Strong commercial cleaners: Stick to wood floor cleaning products to avoid damaging the wood finish.
- Harsh chemicals: High pH cleaners and strong chemicals will strip the finish from parquet wood surfaces.
Deep Cleaning Parquet Wood Floors
If your parquet floors are looking worn or have deep stains you may need to do a deeper clean. Start by vacuuming to remove loose dirt. Then use a damp mop with a wood floor cleaning solution to clean the floor thoroughly. For varnished or oiled parquet wood floors consider applying an extra sealant or a new coat of oil after cleaning to protect the surface.
Keep your Parquet Floors Looking Beautiful
Parquet floors are lovely but regular care and cleaning is necessary to keep them looking that way. For long term care consider having a professional like Harpers Restoration restore the floors every few years.
